The events of September 11, 2001 did more than mark the commencement of a new perilous age of global terror, it launched a whole new area of professional activity that falls under the categorical heading, "Homeland Security." "The idea of homeland security was primarily the result of the White House, the federal government, and the U.S. Congress's reactions to September 11 events," observe Jane Bullock, George Haddow, and Damon P. Coppola in their book, "Introduction to Homeland Security: Principles of All-Hazards Risk Management." "However, the movement to establish such broad-sweeping measures was initiated long before those attacks took place." The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was long in coming and quick in arriving, it seems - which can only come as most welcome news for those whose strengths lie in managing difficult situations.

Managing difficult situations is only part of the homeland security equation. "Homeland security deals not only with terrorism and related dangers, but also with natural threats like hurricanes and floods, wildfires and tornados," writes former DHS head Michael Chertoff in his book, "Homeland Security: Assessing the First Five Years." It appears from these remarks that the conclusion to be drawn is that, if Mother Nature is not with America, she must be with the terrorists.

Combating natural and manmade threats to vital domestic infrastructure would seem a tall order for even the most lavishly funded government agency. Indeed, homeland security means facing a constant parade of tremendous challenges. "Tens of thousands of miles of border and coastline, wealth and resources, vast territory, a diverse population, and open civil society have long made the civilian population of the United States a tempting target," observe Mark Sauter and James Jay Carafano in their book, "Homeland Security: A Complete Guide to Understanding, Preventing, and Surviving Terrorism." As a homeland security degree holder, then, you'll be called upon to guard this huge tempting target.

Responsibilities as challenging and unique as those of homeland security require a special repertoire and skills and knowledge, Fortunately, there exist many degree and certificate programs that can endow you with this knowledge and these skills, which will make you a valuable asset to any homeland security outfit.

Many of these homeland security certificate and degree programs are offered online. Online degree programs offer you tremendous ease and convenience. They generally allow you to pursue your studies at your own pace. Earning a degree or certificate in homeland security on largely your own terms is certainly an attractive proposition, one which is made even more so by the fact that homeland security is a vibrant and rapidly growing career field.

Dedicated to securing the safety of the U.S. citizenry against threats foreign, domestic, or natural, DHS aims to realize seven goals. Specifically, DHS seeks to:

• Defeat terrorism worldwide;
• Strengthen national defenses against biological and nuclear attack;
• Improve intelligence capacity and information sharing;
• Ensure a secure global digital information and communications infrastructure;
• Promote the Resiliency of the homeland's physical and social infrastructure;
• Pursue comprehensive security at and near the nation's borders;
• Manage incidents effectively.

So if you think you have the right stuff when it comes to homeland security, take a few moments to research your options. Online degree programs have never been more abundantly available than they are currently, so choose wisely. Your family - as well as your fellow citizens - are counting on you.